Key Points
- The new Temporary Work visa enables foreign nationals to work in Saudi Arabia for a maximum 90-day period with multiple entries.
- Foreign nationals applying for this visa will not need to obtain residency or a work permit.
- Temporary Work visas will be valid for one year from date of issuance.
- Employers can purchase quotas for the Temporary Work visas through the Qiwa platform; no office visits or documents are required.
Overview
Employers that are looking to bring foreign nationals to Saudi Arabia for short-term work may now do so by purchasing quotas of the new Temporary Work visa online. The visas are valid for one year from the date of issuance and allow foreign nationals to work in the country for up to 90 days in that one-year period without having to apply for residence or a work permit.
What Are the Changes?
This is a new visa program aimed at making it easier for employers to allow their foreign national employees to visit Saudi Arabia for short-term work.
Employers that want to obtain quotas of these visas must do so through the Qiwa platform. Packages of quotas can be purchased in quantities of 1, 5, 10 or 50. Once they purchase the visa quotas, the foreign nationals intended to use them must obtain the visa sticker from a Saudi consular post or visa service agent before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
There are certain eligibility requirements employers must meet to obtain the Temporary Work visa quotas, including:
- Employer’s commercial registration must be valid.
- All foreign national employees must have valid work permits.
- Employer must be compliant with Saudi Arabia’s Wage Protection System.
- Employer must have a Medium Green color status or higher of the Nitaqat color categories.
Looking Ahead
The new Temporary Work visa is a great opportunity for employers looking to send employees to Saudi Arabia for short-term work or projects without having to apply for work permits or residence in the country. Foreign national employees will now be able to have the option of taking multiple short-term work trips in and out of Saudi Arabia over a one-year period.
Employers that purchase quotas of Temporary Work visas should make sure to follow the current COVID-19 policies and consular closures in the countries where their foreign national employees will be required to obtain their visa stickers.
